asked the Minister for the Marine the Government's policy regarding the granting of licences to Dutch and eastern bloc factory ships during the 1989 mackerel season.
Written Answers. - Mackerel Trans-shipment.
35.
If, at any stage following the opening of the 1989 mackerel season, the Irish shore-based processing sector are unable to provide an adequate outlet for the catch of the Irish fishing fleet, steps will be taken by my Department to permit factory ships tranship Irish-caught mackerel which might otherwise be dumped or withdrawn. Likewise, as part of an informal and reciprocal arrangement with the United Kingdom, who facilitate Irish fishermen transhipping to factory ships in UK waters, a transhipping operation involving designated, factory ships and UK fishing vessels only, will be sanctioned by my Department within designated Irish territorial waters.